Back of Book: 

In a vibrant city, two girls from very different walks of life join forces to fight censorship and protect the people they love. Eleven-year-old Cinzia is a printer’s apprentice. She adores Mestra Aronne for taking her in—most guilds don’t have room for apprentices with a crippled leg—and she loves life in the raggedy workshop that smells of paper and printing, where secrets and stories are always circulating. So when Mestra Aronne is imprisoned for publishing accusations against the ruling family, Cinzia will do anything to prove that Mestra Aronne only told the truth.

Elena is the exact same age as Cinzia, but she’s forced to keep to her rooms and garden. To protect her, according to her mother. To protect the city, according to her uncle. Because Elena is not the charming, powerful noble her family wants her to be. According to them, she doesn’t communicate well. She’s too gullible and literal and struggles to understand other people.

After unexpectedly meeting face-to-face, the girls follow a trail of clues through their golden city, drawing supporters and learning more about their home and each other than they ever could have imagined. If one person—no matter how young—can change the course of history, just imagine what a whole flock of them could do.

Book Number: One

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Historical 

Review: 🌟🌟

A middle grade historical adventure featuring a group of girls and the lengths they will go to spread the truth through their Italian inspired city.

Cinzia is a printer's apprentice and Mestra Aronne has made it one of her biggest priorities to teach Cinzia that one of a printer's most important jobs is to spread the truth. Even if said truth may have some dangerous consequences. When Aronne is arrested for writing secrets that the magistrate would rather keep hidden, Cinzia teams up with the young princess Elena to find evidence that will reveal the magistrate's corruption.

I have to begin this one by saying that the artwork in this book is stunning. There are multiple full page spreads that showcase beautiful chapels, bustling marketplaces, and grand palaces. Every single location has so much intricacies and it's insane how much detail Bi puts into every single illustration.

Unfortunately, the story did not live up to the images. Besides the fact that it takes place in Italy during the Middle Ages and the act of printing is really interesting, this story didn't have much going for it. I didn't get attached to any of the characters, the plot didn't seem all that urgent (despite the kids always being on the run), and the writing itself just kinda bored me.

This book does have some good messages in it. Firstly, it showcases that diverse groups of people existed throughout all of history, which is something that is often skimped over in media. People of color, as well as those with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are hinted on throughout this book. Honesty and the power of the truth is another important lesson that this tale exhibits. This book also has some feminist themes, so it has several positive messages sprinkled throughout.

Overall, I found the story of "Ink Girls" to be rather boring, but the artwork is spectacular. I didn't get overly attached to much of anything, so therefore I didn't take much away from this graphic novel. I'd say it's probably a cute read for young readers that enjoy historical fiction.

Back of Book: 

One small voice has the power to change everything in this dazzling middle grade graphic novel from New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp and artist Sylvia Bi. The stand-alone companion to the acclaimed Ink Girls is a perfect fit for fans of Wendy Xu and Molly Knox Ostertag.

Vale has always dreamed of being a metalworker’s apprentice. But in Siannerra, the guilds rule with an iron fist, and their apprenticeship fees are impossibly high. So Vale and their guildless family must make do with the pennies and scraps they’re able to cobble together with work on the docks or in the market.

Until Maestro Giuseppe arrives from abroad, determined to build the city’s first astronomical clock. He doesn’t care for fees or exclusionary practices—and he sees Vale’s talent. He invites Vale into his workshop, and for a while Vale believes all their dreams are coming true. But everything in Siannerra belongs to the guilds, and if anyone tries to break free, there are consequences. Sometimes the gravest of consequences. Still, Vale refuses to stop dreaming. Or fighting. With the help of their friends, they plan to take on the might of the guilds. And together, they may just be strong enough to bend iron to their will.

With nuanced and instantly loveable characters and a fully realized, vibrantly illustrated setting, bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp and illustrator Sylvie Bi show once again how anyone—no matter their age—can change their world. An excellent choice for fans of the Lightfall and Wingbearer series.

Book Number: Two

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Historical 

Review: ?